Malaga starlet Isco, who had appeared to be intent on following his former coach Manuel Pellegrini to Manchester City, looks set to reject City and seal a move to
Real Madrid, instead. The two clubs have been locked in a battle to sign the youngster since the end of last season. In an interview with Spanish daily AS, Isco refused to confirm who he is
signing for, but said of Real: "Madrid excites me. They are one of the best teams in the world."

Meanwhile, reports in Spain claim that the Bernabeu outfit has agreed to a $39 million
move, with the possibility of Denis Cheryshev joining Malaga in return. Isco is reported to have shunned the advances of AS Monaco and Borussia Dortmund, as well as City.